motor oil question

[peanuthead724]

i have an 09 altima 2.5s, should i use reg or syn oil

[wade001]

depends if the car is new. if it is reg. oil for about first 15k or so and then you can switch over to synthetic. starting with synthetic unless instructed by nissan is a bad idea as synthetic doesn't seat the seals in the engine. break in the engine first then switch.

[TomNJ]

i have an 09 altima 2.5s, should i use reg or syn oil

Depends on your oil change intervals, environment, and driving conditions. If you want to change your oil at more than 6,000 mile intervals, or drive in extreme hot or cold temperatures, or race, drive hard, or tow, or just want the best oil even if it isn't needed, synthetics are a good choice. If none of the above apply, conventional SL or SM oils will work fine.

If you want to use synthetics, you can make the change anytime after the first factory fill oil is done. And you can change back anytime you want.

I've used synthetics for 37 years, not because I needed them but because I don't like changing oil, and as a scientist I tend to reach for what I know is the best. And since my career was with a chemical company that manufactured synthetic lubricants, I had a deep understanding of the differences and benefits.

TomNJ

[boston824]

Does anyone know which brand Syn Oil is the best? I always used Castrol GTX reg oil in my vehicles. But seeing this is my 1st new vehicle I want only the best for my baby (2010 Altima Sedan). Not sure if the oil matters, as long as it meets required specifications.

Advice on this matter would be appreciated.

Thanks

[jahn surf irie]

most of my euro sports car buddies prefer amsoil or red line, royal purple is up there with them as well.

just like with cars though everyone has an opinion which is best and which is junk, oil quality threads are all over the place and can make your head serious hurt reading them..

if you're really interested in the subject this is a good site you can really get into fine details with: http://www.bobistheoilguy.com/

[boston824]

Thank you for the reply. You are right with getting the headaches from reading the different threads and information.

I will check it out tonight.

[kerrton]

Many opinions out there, concensus is that synthetic is "better" but may be overkill in certain situations. In addition to what has been said, synthetic may offer better protection for very cold winter starts.

The one reason I currently don't bother with synthetic is because Nissan will not let me run long-change intervals and keep my warranty in tact. The use of synthetic is fine, they'll even let me bring in my own jug to their shop, or I can change it myself, whatever I want, but I can't exceed the change intervals in the manufacturer's service schedule which is 6000 km. Once I'm out of warranty I might make the switch but right now I won't take the risk of voiding a warranty that probably won't be required but you never know.